Delta Airlines is a victim of its own success, and its airport lounges are getting crowded, writes Nick Lichtenberg for Fortune.

Its concept of the premium traveler has been broadened over the years, allowing more and more people access to its Sky Clubs, including one operating out of Philadelphia International Airport.

Now it’s trying to rein things in with a “new era in premium travel” announced by Delta CEO Ed Bastian.

Major expansions are underway at several hubs, including at PHL.

Delta One lounges,  Bastian said, will be a step above the usual Sky Clubs, offering “amenities for the premium traveler” ranging from fine dining to spa wellness treatments and valet services.

Delta’s Sky Lounges, which will still be available, have suffered customer backlash in the post-pandemic era as the lounge experience became overcrowded.

The Sky Clubs offer free wi-fi, buffets of cold snacks and heated steam trays, and complimentary drinks.

Delta was affected by the flood of post-pandemic travelers. It didn’t help that access to airport lounges was becoming increasingly easier for a large, growing, and affluent customer base, thanks to generous access deals from American Express, airline status programs, and paid day passes.  

Read more about the problem of too much premium access and what Delta’s doing about it in Fortune.

Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO.Today in August 2025.